16, 16-difluoroestratrienes



3,048,605 16,16-D1FLUOROESTRATRENES Cecil- H. Robinson, Glen Ridge, N.J., assignor to Schering forporation, Bloomfield, N.J., a corporation of New ersey No Drawing. Filed Feb. 8, 1960, Ser. No. 7,124 2 Claims. (Cl. 260397.5)

This invention relates to a new group of therapeutically active steroids. More specifically, this invention relates to novel 16,16-difluoroestratrienes. In particular, my invention encompasses 16,16-difluoro derivatives of estrone, estradiol, 17a-alkylestradiol and 17a-ethinylestradio1. Also included within the scope of my invention are the esters and 3-lower alkyl ethers of the aforementioned 16, l6-difiuoroestratrienes as Well as novel intermediates used in the preparation thereof.

My novel 16,16-difluoroestratrienes have the following general formula:

wherein Z is a member of the group consisting of O, (H, 50R), (a-IOWCI alkyl, 50R), (ct-lower alkenyl, 180R) and (OL-IOWCI' alkynyl, 130R) wherein R is a member of the group consisting of H and an acyl radical of an acid of the group consisting of carboxylic acids containing up to eight carbon atoms, sulfate, and phosphate, and R is a member of the group consisting of hydrogen, lower alkyl and an acyl radical of an acid of the group consisting of carboxylic acids containing up to eight carbon atoms, sulfate and phosphate.

By the terms lower alkyl, lower alkenyl and lower alkynyl are contemplated hydrocarbon radicals having preferably up to four carbon atoms, the alkynyl radicals having the triple bond temming from the carbon adjacent to the steroid nucleus. Included are alkyl radicals such as methyl, ethyl, isopropyl, n-propyl, n butyl and the like; alkenyl radicals such as ethenyl (vinyl), propenyl (allyl), and owbntenyl; and alkynyl radicals such as ethynyl, 1'- propynyl and 1-butynyl.

Illustrative of the 3 and/or 17 acyloxy radicals contemplated are lower alkanoates such as acetate, propionate, butyrate, valerate, caproate and t-butylacetate; aryl esters such as benzoate and toluate; esters from dibasic organic acids such as succinate, phthalate and sulfobenzoates; and those from polybasic inorganic acids such as sulfate, phosphate and the like. Also included in the term acyloxy radical are alkali metal salts of di basic organic acid esters and of polybasic inorganic acid esters, for example, 3-methoxy-16,16-difluoroestradiol-l7-sodium succinate and 16,16-difiuoroestrone 3-disodium phosphate, respectively.

My invention therefore relates to compounds such as 16,16-difluoroestrone 16,16-difluoro-l,3,5(10)-estratriene-3-ol-17-one) 16,16-difluoroestradiol (l6,16-difiuoro-1,3,5(10)-estratriene-3, 17f3-di01) 16,16-difluoro-17u-methylestradiol 16,16-di-fluoro-17amethyl- 1,3 ,5 10) -estratriene-3 ,175-diol) 16, 1 -difiuoro- 17 a-ethinylestradiol 16,16-difluoro-17aethinyl-1,3,5(10)-estratriene-3,17/3-diol),

and to 3-lower alkyl ethers such as 3-methoxyand 3-ethoxy-16,16-difluoro-1,3,5(10)-estratriene-17-one,

3-rnethoxy-l6,l6'difluoro17a-methyl-1,3,5 10) -estratriene-l7 8-ol,

3-methoxy-16,16-difluoro-17a-ethinyl-l,3,5( 10)-estrat1iene-17,801, and

3-methoxy-16,16-difiuoro-1,3,5 10) -estratriene-17B-ol.

Also included are mono-esters such as 16,16-difiuoroestrone 3-acetate (l6, 1 6-difluoro- 1,3,5 10

estratriene-3,-ol-17-one 3-acetate) 16,16-difluoroestrone 3 -benzoate,

1 6, 16-difluoro-17a-methyl-l,3,5 10) -estratriene-3, 175- diol 17-acetate,

16, l6-difluoro- 1,3 ,5( 10 -estratriene-3 ,17p-diol B-acetate,

l6,16-difluoro-17a-ethinyl-l,3,5(10)-estratriene-3,17B-

diol 3-benzoate,

3-methoxy-16,16-difiuoro-1,3,5 10 -estratriene- 1 -01 17-hemisuccinatc,

3 -methoXy-16,16-difluoro-1,3,5(10)-estratriene-17fi-ol 17-phosphate;

and diesters such as 16,16-difiuoro-1,3,5(10)-estratriene-3,l7B-diol dibenzoate,

l6,16-difluoro-1,3,5 10) -estratriene-3,17;3-diol 3-acetate l7-benzoate,

16,l6-difluoro17a-ethinyl-1,3,5( 10)-estratriene-3,17B-

diol 3-benzoate 17-acetate and 16,16-difiuoro-1,3,5(10)-estratriene-3,17B-diol diacetate.

My novel compounds are therapeutically active as described herein. In general, the 3-lower alkyl ethers of the generic formula are more therapeutically valuable than are the 16,16-difluoioestratrienes having a free hydroxyl or an acyloxy group at the 3-carbon. In particular, the 3-methyl ethers are the preferred species and specifically, 3 methoXy-l6,16-difluoro-l,3,5(10)-estratriene l7-one, 3-methoxy-16,16-difluoro-1,3,5(10)-estratriene 1713-01, 3-methoxy-l6,16-difiuoro-17a-methyl-1,3,5- (10) estratriene 17fl-ol and 3-methoxy-16,16-difiuorol7a-ethinyl-l,3,5 10)-estratriene-17fl-ol.

My novel compounds are conveniently prepared from a precursor containing no other substituent in the D-ring except a 17-keto function (for example, estrone benzoate or a lower alkyl ether of estrone such as 3-methoxy-1,3, 5(10)-estratriene l7-one) by utilizing the novel process described in copending application of Robinson, Serial No. 7,107, filed February 8, 1960. According to this process an estratriene having a ketone function at 0-17, for example, S-methoxyestrone is converted to the intermediary 16-hydroxymethylene or 16-ethoxalyl derivative by methods well known in the art. I prefer to formylate the activated Cl6 position by reacting 3-methoxyestrone, for example, wtih ethyl formate and sodium methoxide or sodium hydride utilizing as solvent, benzene or tetrahydrofuran or mixtures thereof. The 16-formyl derivative thereby obtained, i.e. 3-methoxy-l6-hydroxymethylene-l,3,5(10)-estratriene-17-one exists in two tautomeric forms, namely forrnyl and hydroxymethylene. Alternatively, the 16-ethoxalyl derivatives of estrone, estrone benzoate or 3-methoxyestrone are prepared according to procedures similar to those for preparing the l6-hydroxymethylene derivatives by using ethyl oxalate as reagent instead of ethyl formate, yielding l6-ethoxalylestrone, 1.6-ethoxalylestrone benzoate and 3-methoxy-16-ethoxalylestrone, respectively.

By reacting an intermediary 16-hydroxymethyleneestratriene or 16ethoxalylestratriene, for example, S-methoxy- 16-hydroxymethylene-1,3,5(10)-estratriene 17 one, with perchloryl fluoride in the presence of alkoxide, preferably potassium t blltoxidc in t-butanol solvent, there is 3 obtained the corresponding 16,l6-difluoroestratriene, e.g. 3-methoxy-16,16-difiuoro-l,3,5 10)-estratriene-17 one, a novel compound of my invention.

The novel 3-methoxy-16,16-difluoro-l,3,5(10)-estratriene-l7-one, prepared as described above, may be transformed to the l7a-lower alkynyl-l7fi-hydroxy or 170:- loWer alkyl-l7fi-hydroxy analogs by known methods. For example, 3-methoxy-16,l6-difluoro-1,3,5 l) -estratriene- 17-one is readily transformed to 3-methoxy-l6,l6-difluoro-17a-methyl-l,3,5(10)-estratriene-l7B-ol by the well known Grignard reagent utilizing methyl magnesium iodide, or is transformed to the corresponding 17a-ethinyl compound by means of sodium or potassium acetylide. The 17-keto compound, e.g. 3-methoxy-l6,l6-difluoro- 1,3,5 )-estratriene-l7-one is reduced to the 17(3-hydroxy analog (3-methoxy-16,l6-difluoro-l,3,5(l0) estratriene 17,6-01) by hydrogenation with lithium aluminum hydride, sodium borohydride, platinum-hydrogen and the like.

By substituting suitable reagents in the aforementioned reactions such as ethyl magnesium bromide instead of methyl magnesium iodide in the Grignard reaction on 3- methoxy-l6,16-difluoro1,3,5( lO)-estratriene-l7-one there are obtained higher homologs at C-17 for example, 3- methoxy-16,lG-difluoro-l7a-ethyl-l,3,5 (l0) estratrienel7fl-ol. Similarly, to prepare C-17 homologs of 3- methoxy-l6,16-difluoro-l7a-ethinyl-l,3,5 10) estratriene- 175-01 for example, it is preferred to substitute sodium or potassium methyl acetylide for sodium acetylide in the alkynylation reaction to obtain the corresponding 170c- (1-propynyl) analog. When sodium ethylacetylide is used in the aforementioned reaction there is obtained the corresponding l7a-butynyl compound, i.e. 3-methoxy- 16, l 6-difluoro-17a-( l'-butynyl) -l,3,5 10) estratriene-17,8- 01. Alternatively, it is possible to obtain higher 17aalkynyl homologs of my 17a-ethinyl compounds by alkylating the active hydrogen on the ethinyl moiety by means of lithium and methyl or ethyl iodide, for example, to obtain the corresponding l7a-(l-propynyl) or 17ot-(1'- butynyl) compound.

The l6,l6-difluoro-l7a-alkenylestratrienes of the general formula are conveniently prepared from the corresponding l6,l6-difiuoro-l7a-alkynylestratrienes by reduction with hydrogen in the presence of pallidized strontium carbonate catalyst. For example, 3-methoxy-16,16-difluoro-17u-ethynyl-1,3,5 10) -estratriene-l7fi-ol and 3- methoxy-l6,16-difluoro-17u-(l'-propynyl)-l,3,5 l0) estratriene-171301 upon reduction yields 3-methoxy-l6,16- difluoro-l7a-vinyl-1,3,5(l0) estratriene 17B 01 and 3- tratriene-l7/3-ol, respectively.

When preparing the novel l6,16-difluoroestratrienes having a free hydroxy group at the 3-carbon it is preferred to introduce the 16,16-difluoro moiety into a 3-a1kyloxy derivative of estrone and then hydrolyze the alkoxy group to hydroxy by known techniques such as that utilizing hydroiodic acid in the presence of acetic acid, or hydroiodic acid together with an inert solvent such as dioxane. Alternatively, estrone 3-benzoate is converted to 16,16-difiuoroestrone 3-benzoate which, in turn, is hydrolyzed by means of methanolic potassium hydroxide to 16,16-difluoroestrone.

My novel 3,l7-dihydroxy-l6,l6-difluoroestratrienes are obtained from 16,16-difluoroestrone by procedures analogous to those described above for the 3-methoxy compounds of my invention. Alternatively, the 3,17-diols of the general formula may be obtained from the corresponding 3-methoxy derivative by hydrolyzing the ether group at the 3-carbon as described heretofore. For example, 16,16-diflI1OIO-17cc-II16thYl-1,3,5 10)-estratriene-3, l7B-diol is prepared from 16,16-difluoroestrone by utilizing the Grignard reagent methyl magnesium iodide, or, alternatively is prepared from 3-methoxy-l6,16-difluorol7a-methyl-l,3,5 10) -estratriene-l7;3-ol by hydrolysis with hydroiodic acid in the presence of acetic acid.

The 3-alkyloxy-16,16-difluoroestratrienes of the general formula possessing an ester group at 0-17 are conveniently prepared by known techniques from the correspondin g 3 -alkyloxyl 7,8-hydroxyl 6, l 6-difiuoroestratriene by esterification with pyridine and an acid anhydride. For example, 3-methoxy-l6,16-difiuoro-l7u-methyl-1,3,5(10)- estratriene--ol when heated with acetic anhydride in pyridine yields the 17-acetate, i.e. 3-methoxy-l6,l6-difluoro-17a-methyl-l,3,5 10 -estratriene-l7,8-ol l7-acetate. By substituting other lower alkanoic acid anhydrides such as propionic anhydride or caproic anhydride; or a dicarboxylic acid anhydride such as succinic or phthalic anhydride; or acid halides of aryl carboxylic acids such as benzoyl chloride, the corresponding 17-ester is obtained, i.e. the l7-propionate, l7-caproate, 17-succinate, l7-phthalate and l7-benzoate respectively of 3-methoxyl6,16-difluoro-l7a-methyl-l,3,5( l0) estratriene-17501.

The inorganic acid esters of my novel l6,l6-difiuoroestratrienes are also prepared in pyridine utilizing known techniques. For example, 3-rnethoxy-16,l6-difluoroestradiol in pyridine upon reaction with phosphorous oxychloride yields 3-methoxy-l6,l6-difiuoroestradiol l7-phosphate. An alkali metal salt of the foregoing ester such as the disodium salt is then conveniently prepared by reaction of the phosphate ester with sodium hydroxide to give 3-rnethoxy-16,l6-difluoroestradiol 17-disodium phosphate.

When preparing 3,17-diesters of the general formula, the corresponding 3,17-diol is preferably reacted in pyridine with at least two moles of an acid anhydride or two moles of an acid chloride per mole of steroid. Usually an excess of acid anhydride or acid halide is used, and it is often desirable to apply heat to hasten the esterification process. For example, l6,l6-difluoro-l,3,5(l0)- estratriene-3,17B-diol dibenzoate is obtained from 16,16- difiuoroestradiol by reaction with a two molar excess of benzoyl chloride.

Those compounds of my invention possessing an ester group at the 3position and a secondary hydroxyl at the l7-position, for example, estradiol 3-acetate are conveniently prepared by known techniques from the corresponding 3-acyloxy-17-one, i.e. estrone 3-acetate by reduction with hydrogen utilizing platinum oxide as catalyst. The 3-acyloxy-16,l6-difiuoroestratriene possessing a tertiary hydroxyl at C-l7 are conveniently prepared from the corresponding 3,l7-dihydroxy-16,l6-difluoroestratrienes by selective esterification at C-3 with pyridine and a lower alkanoyl anhydride, or with pyridine and an acid chloride of an aryl carboxylic acid such as benzoyl chloride. For example, l6,l6-difiuoro-l7m-methyl-l,3,5 (10)-estratriene-3,l7B-diol reacted with approximately a molar equivalent of acetic anhydride in pyridine yields the 3-monoacetate, i.e., l6,l6-difiuoro-l7a-methyl-l,3,5 (l0)-estratriene-3,l7,B-diol 3-acetate. Similarly, reaction with approximately a molar equivalent of benzoyl chloride in pyridine yields the 3-monobenzoate, i.e. 16,16-difiuorol7a-methyl-l ,3,5 l0 -estratriene-3,l7fi-diol 3-benzoate.

By varying reaction conditions and utilizing a combination of known techniques there are obtained compounds of the general formula having dissimilar ester groups at C-3 and C-17 For example, reaction a 3-acyloxy-16, 16-difiuoro-17a-hydroxy-estratriene with an acid anhydride or acid halide having an acid radical other than that at the 3-position, such as the reaction of 16,16-difluoro 17cc methyl 1,3,5(l0) estratriene 3,1713 diol 3-benzoate with acetic anhydride in pyridine at elevated temperatures, will yield the mixed 3,17-diester, 16,16-difluoro 17cc methyl 1,3,5(10) estratriene 3,17 3 diol 3-benzoate 17acetate.

A 3,17-diol of the general formula possessing an ester group at 17 such as l6,l6-difiuoro-l7a-methyl-l,3,5(l0)- estratriene-3,l7fi-diol l7-acetate and 16,16-difluoroestradiol l7-acetate is conveniently prepared by known techniques from the corresponding diester 16,16-difluoro-17amethyl-1,3,5()-estratriene-3,17fl-diol diacetate and 16, lfi-difiuoroestradiol diacetate by partial hydrolysis such as with 5% potassium hydroxide or 1% potassium carbonate in methanol, respectively.

The novel 16,l6-difiuoroestratrienes of the general formula, and particularly the 3-lower alkyl others, are therapeutically valuable in that they exhibit low estrogenic activity in conjunction with a strong lipid-shifting effect (i.e. in addition to lowering serum cholesterol they cause a reduction is serum phospholipids as well). This combination of properties, (i.e. low estrogemchigh lipid-shifting) renders my novel compounds valuable in the treatment and prevention of conditions such as arteriosclerosis which are caused by abnormal cholesterol metabolism and deposition. It is known that estratrienes such as estrone and estradiol also possess this lipid effect. However, these compounds are also potent estrogens, and the strong estrogenic side elfects of these compounds renders them impractical for the long term therapy necessary when treating degenerate diseases such as arteriosclerosis. My novel 16,16-difluoro estratrienes on the other hand, suprisingly possess a minimum of estrogenic activity while retaining a strong lipid-shifting effect. This is clearly demonstrated by the ratio of the lipid-shifting effect to the estrogenic effect, which in my novel compounds is dramatically increased over the corresponding ratios characteristic of the natural estrogenic hormones. For example, 16,16-difiuoroestrone 3-methyl ether exhibits approximately the same lipid-shifting effect as estradiol in the rat while exhibiting merely about 0.05% of the estrogenic activity of estradiol as measured by the mouse uterine assay. Thus, the ratio of lipid-shifting activity to estrogenic activity as compared to the same ratio for estradiol is about 2,000 to 1.

In addition to the foregoing, my fluorinated estratrienes possess the added advantage of being long acting. For example, it has been observed that 3-methoxy-16,16-difiuoroestrone causes a lowering of serum cholesterol in the rat for longer periods of time than does estradiol. By exhibiting extended pharmacological activity in conjunction with a minimum of undesirarble side effects my compounds are rendered valuable therapeutic agents.

In addition to being therapeutically valuable per se, my novel 16,16-difiuoroestratrienes are useful as intermediates in the preparation of other pharmacologically active steroids such as the 16,16-difluoro-19-nor-4-androstenes described in copending application, Serial No. 7,107, filed February 8, 1960. For example, 3-methoxy- 16,16-difluoro-1,3,5(10)-estratriene-*17[i-ol upon reduction with lithium in ammonia according to known techniques yields 3-methoxy-16,16-difluoro-2,5(10)-estradiene- 175-01 which upon subsequent treatment with a strong acid such as hydrochloric is converted to 16,16-difluoro- 19-nor-4-androstene-17fl-ol-3-one. Alternatively, when 3 methoxy 16,16 difluoro 2,5(10) estradiene-l7B-ol is treated with a weak acid such as oxalic acid there is obtained 16,l6-difluoro-5(10)-androstene-l7,8-ol-3-one which is convertible upon hydrochloric acid treatment to the therapeutically active 4-dehydro isomer, 16,16-difluoro-l9-nor-4-androsene-l7B-ol-3-one. Conversion of the 17fi-hydroxyl group is effected by chromic acid oxidation.

The 16,16-difluoro-17-keto-19-nor-4-androstene-3 one thus obtained when subjected to reactions similar to those described hereinabove for the 16,16-difluoro-17-ketoestratrienes of this invention, is convertible to the corresponding 17ot-methyl-17fi-hydroxy-, and the 17a-ethinyl-17,8-hydroxy-16,16-dilluoro-19-nor-4-androstene-3-one.

The following examples are shown by way of illustration only and are not to be construed as limiting the scope thereof, the scope of my invention being defined by the appended claims.

6 EXAMPLE 1 3-Met/ t0xy-1 6,16-Diflu0r0-1 ,3,5 (10 -Esr'ratriene-1 7-One A. 3 melhoxy 16 hydroxymethylene 1,3,5(10)- estratriene-l7-0ne.To a stirred solution of g. of 3- methoxy-1,3,5(10)-estratriene-17-one in 600 ml. of tetrahydrofuran under an atmosphere of nitrogen, there is first added 25 g. of sodium methoxide and then, over a minute period, 200 ml. of ethyl formate. The reaction mixture is stirred under nitrogen for 18 hours at room temperature, then is poured into water. The resulting solution is acidified with 6 N aqueous hydrochloric acid. A solid precipitates which is filtered ofl? and dried in vacuo to give substantially 3-methoxy-16-hydroxy-methylene-1, 3,5( 10)-estratriene-17-one,

RES 268 mp (5 10,500)

which is used without further purification in the following procedure.

B. 3 m ethoxy 16,16 difluoro 1,3,5(I0) estratriene-17-0ne.To 4.2 g. of 3-methoxy-ld-hydroxymethylene-1,3,5(10)-estratriene-17-one dissolved in 450 ml. of

. hour then cooled and diluted with water.

t-butanol, there is added ml. of a molar solution of potassium t-butoxide in t-butanol. Perchloryl fluoride gas is then bubbled through this stirred solution under nitrogen for minutes at room. temperature. The reaction mixture is diluted with 2 l. of water and extracted with methylene chloride. The extracts are combined, washed with water, dried over magnesium sulfate and evaporated in vacuo. The resultant residue is chromatographed on Florisil and eluted with hexane-ether mixtures. The hexane-ether eluates ranging in concentration from 7:3 to 1:1 are combined and crystallized from ether-hexane to give 3 methoxy 16,16 difluoro-1,3,5(10)-estratriene-17-one, MP. 126-128 (1., [1x1 +167,

max.

EXAMPLE 2 3 -Meth0xy-1 6,] 6-Diflu0r0-1 ,3,5 (10)-Estratriene-17fi-Ol 300 mg. of sodium borohydride is added to a solution of 170 mg. of 3-methoxy-16,16-difiuoro-1,.3,5(10)-estratriene-17-one (the compound of Example 1) in 14 ml. of isopropanol. The reaction mixture is refluxed for one The resultant solid is filtered, washed with water, dried and crystallized from aqueous methanol to give 3-methoxy-16,16-difiuoro- 1,3,5(10) estratriene 17,6 01, MP. 123-127 C., [ab +71 EXAMPLE 3 3-Meth0xy-16,16-Diflu0ro-17otEthinyl-1,3,5(10)- Estratriene-J 75-01 To a stirred solution of 500 mg. of 3-methoxy-16,16- difluoro-1,3,5,(10)-estratriene-17-one in 7 ml. of dimethylsulfoxide, there is added sodium acetylide (obtained from 4 ml. of a 17% suspension of sodium acetylide in xylene by centrifuging and removing the supernatant liquid) in 5 ml. of dimethylsulfoxide. The reaction mixture is stirred .at room temperature for 45 minutes, then is diluted with ice and water. A solid separates which is filtered, washed with water, dried and crystallized from acetone-hexane to give 3-methoxy-16, 1 6-difluoro-17u-ethinyl-1,3,5 10) -estra triene-17fi-ol, M.P. 140-142 C. [041 +20.

In a similar manner by substituting sodium methyl acetylide for sodium acetylide in the above procedure, there is obtained 3-methoxy-l6,16-difluoro 17a propynyl 1,3,5- (10 estratriene-17501.

EXAMPLE 4 3-Melhoxy-1 6 ,1 6-D iflzroro-I 70L-Methyl-1,3,5 (10) Estratriene-I 7 8-01 To a stirred solution of methyl magnesium iodide (de rived from 1.5 g. of magnesium and 4 ml. of methyl iodide) in ml. of ether under an atmosphere of nitrogen,

ous mixture is extracted with ether.

there is added 500 mg. of 3-methoxy-16,16-difluoro-,1,3, 5 10)-estratriene-17-one (the compound of Example 1) in 25 ml. of tetrahydrofuran. An addition-a1 75 ml. of tetrahydrofuran is added and the ether is distilled out of the reaction mixture. The remaining mixture is then refluxed for one hour, then cooled and added cautiously to a mixture of ice and Water. The aqueous mixture is extracted with methylene chloride. The extracts are combined, washed with water, dried over magnesium sulfate and evaporated in vacuo to a residue which is chromatographed over Florisil. Benzene-ether eluates ranging in concentration from 1:1 to 1:9 are combined and evaporated to a residue which is crystallized from ethyl acetatemethanol to give 3-methoxy-l6,16-difiuoro-17a-methyl-1, 3,5 (10)-estratriene-17fl-ol, M.P. 137142 C.

In a similar manner by substituting other alkyl Grignard reagents such as ethyl magnesium iodide and n-propyl magnesium bromide for methyl magnesium iodide in the above procedure, there is obtained 3-methoxy-16,16-difluoro-17a-ethyl-1,3,5(10)-estratriene-17fl-ol and 3-methoxy-16,16-difiuoro-17u-n-propyl-1,3,5( 10)-estratriene-17fi- 01, respectively.

EXAMPLE 5 3-Meth0xy-16,16-Diflu0ro-1,3,5(10)-Estratriene-1 7(3-ol 1 7A ceta te To one gram of 3-methoxy-l6,16-difluoro-1,3,5(10)- estratriene-17p-ol (the compound of Example 2) in 10 ml. of pyridine is added 2 ml. of acetic anhydride. The solution is left overnight at room temperature. Water is added and the aqueous mixture extracted with ether.

The ether extracts are combined, washed with 2 N hydro- 'triene-17 8-01.

EXAMPLE 6 The 17-Acetate Ester of 3-Meth0xy-16,16-Diflu0r0-17m- Ethinyl-1,3,5(10)-Estratriene-17/3-0l and 3-Meth0xy- 16,16-Diflur0-17ot-Methyl-1,3,5(10)-Estratriene-1 713-01 To one gram of 3-methoxy-l6,l6-difiuoro-l7a-ethinyl- 1,3,5 (10)-estratriene-l75-ol (the compound of Example 3) in 10 ml. of pyridine is added 2 ml. of acetic anhydride. The reaction mixture is heated on the steam bath for 48 hours, then cooled. Water is added and the aque- The extracts are combined, washed with 2 N hydrochloric acid, then water,

dried over sodium sulfate and distilled in vacuo to give a residue substantially of 3-methoxy-l6,16-difluoro-17aethinyl- 1,3 ,5 (.10) estratriene-17 301 17-acetate.

In the manner described above 3-methoxy-16,16-difluoro-17a-methyl-1,3,5(10)-estratriene-17fl-ol (the compound of Example 4) is reacted with acetic anhydride in pyridine to give 3-methoxy-16,16-difluoro-17a-methyl- 1,3,5 10)-estratriene-17/3-ol 17-acetate.

Similarly by substituting other lower alkanoic acid anhydrides such as propionic, valeric or caproic for acetic anhydride in the above procedures, there is obtained the corresponding 17-propionate, 17-valerate and l7-caproate respectively of 3-methoxy-16,16-difluoro-17a-ethinyl-1,3, 5(10)-estratriene-17fl-ol and of 3-methoxy-16,16-difluoro- 17a-methyl-l,3,5'( )-estratriene-17;3-ol.

EXAMPLE 7 16,1 6-Diflu0r0-1 ,3 ,5 (10) -Estratriene-3-0l-1 7-One A solution of 1 g. of 3-methoxy-16,16-difluoro-1,3, 5 (10)-estratriene-17-one in 10 ml. of glacial acetic acid and 2.5 ml. of constant boiling aqueous hydroiodic acid (density 1.5) is refluxed for two minutes. The solution is cooled, poured into 10% aqueous sodium bisulfite solution, then there is added 10% aqueous sodium hydroxide solution. The reaction mixture is filtered, the filtrate brought to neutrality with acetic acid, then extracted with ether. The ether extracts are combined, washed with water, dried over sodium sulfate and evaporated in vacuo to a residue substantially of 16,16-difiuoro- 1,3,5(10)estratriene-3-ol-17-one.

Similarly, 3-methoxy-16,l6-difluoro-l,3,5 (10)-estratriene-17,8-ol (the compound of Example 2) is hydrolyzed with aqueous hydroiodic acid according to the above procedure to give 16,16-difluoro-1,3,5(10)-estratriene-3, 17fl-diol.

EXAMPLE 8 16,16 difiuoro 1,3,5(10) estratriene 3 ol 17 one (the compound of Example 7) is reacted with methyl magnesium iodide in the manner of Example 4. The resultant product is isolated and purified as described to give 16,16-difluoro-l7u-methyl-l,3,5(10)-estratriene-3, 17 8-diol.

EXAMPLE 9 16,16-Difluoro-17a-Ethinyl-1,3,5 (10) -Estratriene- 3,17p-Di0l 16,16 difiuoro l,3,5(10) estratriene 3 ol 17 one (the compound of Example 7) is reacted with sodium acetylide in dimethylsulfoxide according to the procedure of Example 3. The resultant product is isolated and purified in the manner described to give 16,16-difiuorol7a-ethinyl-l,3,5 10) -estratriene-3, 17B-di0l.

EXAMPLE 10 Preparation of 3 -A lkanoyl Esters A solution of l g. of l6,l6-difluoro-l,3,5(10)-estratriene-3-ol-17-one (the compound of Example 7) in 10 ml. of pyridine and 2 ml. of acetic anhydride is left overnight at room temperature. Water is added and the aqueous mixture extracted with ether. The ether extracts are combined, washed with 2 N hydrochloric acid, then water, dried over sodium sulfate, filtered and distilled in vacuo to give a residue substantially of 16,16-difiuorol,3,5 (10)-estratriene-3-ol-17-one S-acetate.

In a similar manner, 16,16-difluoro-l7a-methyl-1,3, 5 10)-estratriene-3,17 3-diol and 16,16-difluoro-17a-ethinyl-1,3,5 (10)-estratriene-3,l7B-diol are each reacted with acetic anhydride in pyridine to give respectively, 16,16- difluoro 17a methyl 1,3,5 (10) estratriene 3,17,8- diol 3-acetate and 16,l6-difluoro-l7a-ethinyl-l,3,5(10)- estratriene-3,17fl-diol 3-acetate.

By substituting other acid anhydrides such as propionic, valeric and t-butylacetic anhydride for acetic anhydride in the above procedures there are obtained the corresponding propionate, valerate and t-butylacetate of the aforementioned compounds.

EXAMPLE 11 Preparation of 3-Benzoic Acid Esters To one gram of l6,16-difluoro-l,3,5(10)-estratriene- 3-ol-17-one (the compound of Example 7) in 1 0 ml. of pyridine is added 2 ml. of benzoyl chloride. The solution is left at room temperature for 24 hours, water is added and the aqueous mixture extracted with ether. The ether extracts are combined, washed with 2 N hydrochloric acid, then water, dried over sodium sulfate, filtered and distilled in vacuo to give a residue substantially of l6,l6-difluoro-1,3,5(10)-estratriene-3-ol-17-one 3-benzoate.

In a similar manner, l6,16-difiuoro-l7a-methyl-1,3,5- (l0)-estratriene-3,l7B-diol and 16,16-(111111010-17w8thiny1-1,3,5(10)-estratriene-3,l7fl-diol are each reacted with 9 benzoyl chloride in pyridine to give respectively, 16,16- difluoro 17a methyl-1,3,5 l)-estratriene-3,l7B-diol 3- benzoate and 16,16-difluoro-17ot-ethinyl-1,3,5(10)-estratriene-3,17;8-diol 3-benzoate.

EXAMPLE 12 16,16-Diflu0ro-17a-Methyl-1,3,5 (10) -E'stratriene-3, 17t3-Di0l 3-Benz0ate 17-Acetate One gram of l6,16-difiuoro-17a-methyl-1,3,5(10)-estratriene-3,l7/3-diol 3-benzoate (prepared as described in Example ll) in 10 ml. of pyridine and 2 ml. of acetic anhydride is reacted in the manner described in Example 6. The resultant product is isolated as described to give 16, 16-difluoro-17a-methyl-l,3,5 10 -estratriene-3, 17,8-diol 3- benzoate l7-acetate.

In a similar manner, 16,16-difluoro17a-ethinyl-1,3,5- (10)-estratriene-3,17fl-diol 3-benzoate (prepared as described in Example 11) is reacted with pyridine and acetic anhydride to give 16,16-difluoro-17a-ethinyl-1,3,5(10)- estratriene-3,l7,B-diol 3-benzoate 17-acetate.

EXAMPLE 13 Preparation of 3,17-Di-L0wer Alkarzoyl and 3,17-Dibeltzoate Esters One gram of 16,16difiuoro-17a-methyl-1,3,5(10)-estratriene-3,17B-diol (the compound of Example 8) in 10 ml. of pyridine and 4 ml. of acetic anhydride is reacted in the manner described in Example 6 to give 16,16-difluoro-l7a-methyl-1,3,5 10 -estratriene-3 l7fi-diol diacetate.

One gram of 1'6,16-difiuoro-17a-methyl-l,3,5(l0) estratriene-3,l7,8-diol in 10 ml. of pyridine and 4 ml. of benzoyl chloride is reacted in the manner similar to that described in Example 6 to give 16,l6-difluoro-l7a methyl- 1,3,5 10) -estratriene-3,1713-diol dibenzoate.

In a similar manner, 16,1fi-difluoro-17ot-ethinyl-1,3,5- (10)-estratriene-3,17/3diol (the compound of Example 9) and 16,l6-difluoro-l,3,5(10)-estratriene 3,175 -diol (prepared as in Example 7) are each reacted with acetic anhydride or benzoyl chloride in pyridine to give the respective di-esters, i.e. 16,16-difiuoro-l7 x-ethinyl-l,3,5(10)- estratriene-3,17B-diol diacetate, 16,16-difluoro-1,3,5(l0)- estratriene-3,17B-diol diacetate, 16,16-dlfillOlO-170t-ethinyl-1,3,5(l0)estratriene-3,17/3-diol dibenzoate and 16, 16-difiuoro-1,3,5 10) -estratriene-3, 17f3-diol dibenzoate.

EXAMPLE 14 16,16-Diflu0r0-1 7a-Methyl-1,3,5(10) -Estratriene-3, 17fl-Di0l 1 7-ACetaIe A solution of 1 g. of 16,l6-difiuoro-l7ot-methyl-l, 3,5- (10)-estratriene-3,l7B-diol diacetate (prepared as described in Example 13) in 30 ml. of potassium hydroxide in methanol is refluxed for one-half hour. The solution is cooled, diluted with water, then neutralized with dilute hydrochloric acid. A solid separates which is filtered, dried and crystallized from acetone-hexane to give 16,16-difluoro 17a methyl-l,3,5()-estratriene-3, l7B-diol 17-acetate.

EXAMPLE 15 Alternate Procedure for the Preparation of 3-.Meth0xy- 16,16-Diflu0r0-1,3,5(10)-Estratriene-1 7-One A. 3-meth0xy 16 eth0xalyl-1,3,5(10)-estratriene-17- 0ne.-To a stirred solution of 10 g. of sodium methoxide in 60 ml. of ethyl oxalate and 60 ml. of benzene under an atmosphere of nitrogen, there is added dropwise a solution containing 10 g. of 3-methoxy-1,3,5(1())-estratriene-17-one in 500 ml. of benzene and 100 ml. of tetrahydrofuran. The mixture is stirred under nitrogen at room temperature for 18 hours. The reaction mixture is then poured into 300 ml. of water with stirring and neutralized with 6 N hydrochloric acid. A solid separates which is filtered, washed with water and dried to give 3-methoxy-l6-ethoxalyl-1,3,5( 10)estratriene-17-one,

which is used without further purification in the following procedure.

B. 3-meth0xy 16,16 diflu0r0-1,3,5(10) -estratriene-17- one.--3 methoxy 16 ethoxalyl 1,3,5 (10)-estratriene- 17-one is reacted with perchloryl fluoride. in t-butanol in the presence of potassium t-butoxide in the manner of Example 13. The resultant product is isolated and purified as described to give 3-methoxy-16,16-difiuoro-l,3,5- (10 -estratrienel7-one.

EXAMPLE 16 3-Meth0xy-16,16-Difluor0-l 7:1-(1 -Pr0pynyl) -1,3,5 (10 Estratriene-l 7,8-Ol

To a stirred solution of 1 g. of 3-methoxy-16,16-difluoro-l,3,5(10)-estratriene-17-one (the compound of Example 1) in 10 ml. of toluene under an atmosphere of nitrogen is added a solution of potassium butoxide (prepared from 1 g. of potassium and 14 ml. of t-butanol). The solution is cooled to room temperature, stirred for one hour and then methyl acetylene gas is passed over the solution for 8 hours, while maintaining the solution at room temperature. The reaction mixture is diluted 'with Z N hydrochloric acid until strongly acid, then is extracted with toluene. The toluene extracts are combined, washed with water, dried over sodium sulfate and evaporated in vacuo to give 3-methoxy-l6,l6-difiuoro- 17a-(1'-propynyl)-1,3,5(10)-estratriene17,B-ol.

EXAMPLE 17 3-Meth0xy-16,16-Diflu0r -17ot-Vinyl-1,3,5 (10) Estratriene-17fl-Ol 300 mg. of pre-reduced palladized .strontium carbonate catalyst (15%) is added to a solution of 696 mg. of 3-methoxy-16,l6-difluoro-17x-ethinyl-1,3,5(10) estratriene-17 3-ol (the compound of Example 3) in ml. of pyridine. The mixture is stirred under an atmosphere of hydrogen until one mole of hydrogen per mole of steroid has been absorbed. The mixture is then filtered and the Jfiltrate poured into 500 ml. of aqueous 10% hydrochloric acid, then the aqueous mixture extracted with ether. The ethereal extracts are combined, washed with 2 N hydrochloric acid, then with water and dried over sodium sulfate. The dried ethereal solution is evaporated to a residue which is crystallized from acetone-hexane to give 3-methoxy-16,16-difluoro-17ot-vinyl- 1,3,5 (1 0) -estratriene- 17,8-01.

In a similar manner, 3-methoxy-16,16-difluoro-17a-(lpropynyl)-l,3,5(10)-estratriene-l7/3-ol (the compound of Example 16) is reduced according to the above-described procedure to give 3-methoxy-16,16-difluoro-17a-(1'-propenyl)-1,3,5(10)-estratriene-l7fl-ol.

EXAMPLE l8 3-Eth0xy-1 6,1 6-Difluor0-1,3,5 (10 -Estratriene-1 7 One To 1 g. of 16,16-difiuoro-1,3,5('l0)-estratriene-3-ol- 17-one (the compound of Example 9) in 30 ml. of 10% ethanolic potassium hydroxide solution is added 3 ml. of diethyl sulfate over a two hour period (0.5 ml. por- 'tions every 20 minutes). The reaction mixture is stirred for 90 minutes, then diluted with ml. of water. A solid results which is filtered, washed with water and dried to give 3-ethoxy-16,16-difluoro-1,3,5(10)estratriene-17-one.

EXAMPLE 19' S-Methoxy-l6,16-Diflu0r0-1,3,5(10)-Estrmtriene-17B-Ol 17-Hemisuccinate and the Sodium Salt Thereof A. 3-methoxy 16,16 difluoro 1,3,5 (10)-estratriene- 17B-0l 17-hemisuccinate.-To one gram of 3-methoxy- 16,16 difluoro 1,3,5(10) estratriene-17/3-ol (the compound of Example 2) in 10 ml. of pyridine is added one gram of succinic anhydrlde. The mixture is heated on a steam bath for one hour then cooled and diluted with water. A solid separates which is filtered, washed with 1 1 water and dried to give B-methoxy-l6-difiuoro-1,3,5(10)- estratriene-17fl-o1 17-hemisuccinate.

B. 3-meth0xy 16,16 difluoro 1,3,5(10)-estratriene- 175-01 17-s0dium hemisaccinate.-To 1 g. of 3-methoxy- 16,16 difiuoro-1,3,5(l)-estratriene-17B-ol 17-hemisuccinate suspended in 100 ml. of water is added 2.04 ml. of a aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide. The resultant aqueous solution is evaporated in vacuo to a residue of substantially 3-methoxy-16,16-difluoro-l,3,5- (10)-estratriene-17B-ol 17-sodium hemisuccinate.

EXAMPLE Preparation of Phosphate Esters and the Disodiztm Salts Thereof A. 16,16-diflu0r0-1,3,5 (10) estratriene-3-0l-17-0ne 3- ph0sphate.A solution of 2 g. of 16,16-difiuoro-1,3,5- (10)-estratriene-3-ol-l7-one (the compound of Example 1) in 10 ml. of pyridine is added to 1.8 g. of phosphorous oxychloride in 10 ml. of pyridine at -10 C. The reaction mixture is stirred for one hour at l0 C., then poured slowly with stirring onto crushed ice. The resultant aqueous mixture is made alkaline with a saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate solution and washed with ether. The aqueous solution is then acidified with hydrochloric acid. A solid precipitates which is filtered and dried to give 16,l6-difluoro-1,3,5(l0)-estratriene-3- ol-l7-one 3-phosphate.

B. 3-meth0xy 16,16 difluoro 1,3,5(10)-estratriene- 175-01 17-phosphate.A solution of 2 g. of 3-methoxy- 16,16 difiuoro 1,3,5(l0) estratriene-l7 3-ol (the compound of Example 2) in pyridine is reacted with 1.7 g. of phosphorous oxychloride in 10 ml. of pyridine at 10 C. according to the procedure of Example 20A to give 3-methoxy-16,16-difiuoro-1,3,5(10) estratriene-17p3- ol 17-phosphate.

C. The disoclium salt of compounds 20A and 20B.- One gram of 16,16-difluoro-1,3,5(10)-estratriene-3-ol-17- one 3-phosphate is suspended in 100 ml. of water and 2.16 ml. of a 10% aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide is added with stirring. The resultant solution is then evaporated in vacuo to a residue substantially of 16,16- difluoro 1,3,5 (10) estratriene 3-ol-17-one 3-disodium phosphate.

Similarly, one gram of 3-methoxy-16,l6-difluoro-1,3,5- (l0)-estratriene-l7;8-ol 17-phosphate is reacted with 10% aqueous sodium hydroxide to give 3-rnethoxy-16,l6-difiuoro l,3,5(10) estratriene 175-01 17-disodium phosphate.

EXAMPLE 21 16,16-Diflu0r0-1,3,5(10)-Estratriene-3-Ol-17-One 3-Szzlfate and the Potassium Salt Thereof A. 16,16-diflu0r0-1,3,5(10)-estratriene-3-0l-17-0ne 3- potassiam sulfate.A mixture of 10 g. of l6,l6-difluoro 1,3,5(10))-estratriene-3-ol-17-one (the compound of Example l) and 10 g. of pyridine-sulphur trioxide complex in 100 ml. of pyridine is stirred for 2 /2 hours at room temperature. The mixture is then cooled in an ice bath and 10 ml. of 50% aqueous potassium hydroxide added rapidly with vigorous stirring. The mixture is stirred two minutes longer, then allowed to cool to room temperature without further stirring. The resultant two-phase system is cen trifugedat room temperature and the pyridine layer decanted. The aqueous residue is Washed with pyridine and the pyridine washes combined with the original pyridine layer. Ether is then added to the stirred pyridine solution until precipitation is complete. The mixture is then filtered and the residue dried to give substantially 16,16-difluoro-1,3,5(l0)-estratriene-3-oll7-one 3-potassium sulfate.

B. 16,16-difluor0-1,3,5(10) -estratriene-3-0l-17-0ne 3- sulfate.-One gram of 16,16-difluoro-l,3,5(lO)-estratriene- 3-ol-17-one 3-potassium sulfate is dissolved in ml. of water and the solution brought to neutrality by adding hydrochloric acid. A solid results which is filtered and dried to give 16,l6-di-fiuoro-1,3,5(l0)-estratriene-3-ol-l7- one 3-sulfate.

EXAMPLE 22 1 6,16-Diflu0r0-1 ,3 ,5 (1 0 -Estratriene-3 ,1 7 6-Di0l 3-A cetate One gram of 16,16-difluoro-1,3,5(10)-estratriene-3-ol-17- one 3-acetate (prepared as described in Example 10) is dissolved in ml. of ethyl acetate and 0.25 g. of platinum oxide catalyst added. The mixture is reduced under an atmosphere of hydrogen at room temperature for 24 hours. The mixture is then filtered and the filtrate evaporated in vacuo to a residue which is crystallized from aqueous methanol to give 16,16-difluoro-l,3,5(10)-estratriene-3,17 8-diol 3-acetate.

In a similar manner, 16,16-difiuoro-1,3,5(10)-estratriene- 3-ol-17-one 3-benzoate (prepared as described in Example 11) is reduced with hydrogen using platinum oxide catalyst to give 16,l6-difiuoro-l,3,5(10)-estratriene-3,17B-dio1 3-benzoate.

I claim:

1. 3-.methoxy-16,l6-difluoro-17a-vinyl-1,3,5(10) estratriene-17B-ol.

2. A compound of the structural formula wherein R is a member selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, lower alkyl, and an acyl radical of the group consisting of \carboxylic acids containing up to eight carbon atoms, sulfate and phosphate; and R is a member selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and an acyl radical of an acid of the group consisting of carboxylic acids containing up to eight carbon atoms, sulfate and phosphate.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,381,073 Miescher et a1 Aug. 7, 1945 2,855,411 Mueller Oct. 7, 1958 2,855,413 Mueller Oct. 7, 1958 

2. ACOMPOUND OF THE STRUCTRAL FORMULA 